Portret van Tobias Hertz 1656 - 1722

Georg Fennitzer made this portrait of Tobias Hertz, using etching, in 1694. This print gives us a fascinating insight into the world of the Northern European artist in the late 17th century. It depicts Hertz, identified as a painter in Nuremberg, caught in the act of creation at his easel. The image speaks to the rising status of the artist during this period. No longer just a craftsman, Hertz is presented here as a man of intellect and skill, a creator of worlds. The print also offers a glimpse into the institutional structures of art at the time. Nuremberg was a thriving centre for the arts, with a well-established guild system. Understanding the role of these guilds, and their influence on artistic production, is crucial to interpreting works like this. We might consult guild records, artists' biographies, and other historical documents to uncover the social and institutional context that shaped Fennitzer's work.